May 23, 2008

Charity Begins at Curbside

Have you failed to get a job because your no-good, broken-down POS car couldn’t get you to the job interview on time? Is your car so unsightly that your boss might fire you if she or he sees it? Does your current ride suck? If you answered yes to any one of these questions, Minnesota-based Fairway Collision and Automotive has a competition for you. It has just launched the “Extreme Car Makeover Contest,” through which it will provide free auto body and repair services to a deserving applicant 18 years or older, whose broken-down vehicle stands in the way of getting to a job -- or getting one -- and who lacks the means to pay for the necessary repairs. 

“Tough economic times are a call to action for businesses and communities. We are the ones that must reach out and help those that need a leg up -- or wheels -- to get to a job, find work, take the kids to the doctor and so on,” said Kevin Lund, Fairway co-owner and general manager. “It’s a vicious circle. When someone’s income barely covers daily necessities and their vehicle breaks down, it’s the beginning of a downward spiral. Fairway has pledged to help stop the spiral for a deserving individual or family by getting their car back in good working order.”

To qualify for the Extreme Car Makeover, applicants must submit a “write-up” of 250 words or less on why they deserve an extreme car makeover, including their vehicle make, model and year, whether there are other vehicles in the household and the condition of those vehicles, as well as their address and phone number.

The write-up and a digital photo of the vehicle should be sent by mail to Kevin Lund at Fairway Collision Center (125 East County Road F, Vadnais Heights, MN 55127-6999) and must be received by June 15, 2008, to be eligible. One small catch: Applicants must reside in Minneapolis-St. Paul or suburbs. Application submissions and photos will not be returned and will become the property of Fairway Collision and Automotive. Only one application per person or household is allowed. The contest winner will be notified by July 1. The decision of the partners on the winning application is final and not subject to inquiry.